Consistency

A horse is not as intellectual a beast as man.

Yet we ask that he learns complex tasks though little more than a game of charades.

What a testament to the innate patience of this animal, that he gives such effort to learning how to work with us, even when we keep changing the language half way through.

Today horses taught me that in all things consistency is key. How can we expect others to understand us when we keep changing what we want from them on a whim? Consistency will finish that novel, and it will keep the laundry from getting out of hand, it will also provide children with a sense of security. As humans we should all strive toward this quality.

Mr.Fluffems the Fat Pony

Mr.Fluffems was an extraordinary pony.

from the day he was born he knew he was destined for greatness.

To be a jumper, a dressage star, or maybe even a Budweiser Clydesdale!

But as he grew up or more accurately grew wide he realized his dream could not be.

He could never sail over a fence at lighting speed and he would never dance in the Olympic ring.

"No one will ever want me."

Then one day a little girl with blond pigtails and a smile came skipping out to meet him

She stared at him in awe

"Oh, Mommy, Mommy, He's the one!"

From that day on Mr.Fluffems had a job.

He was not a racing horse and reining was not his thing.

He had the most important job there was.

He was a child's pony!

He was charged with the happiness and the safety of his very own little girl 

and together they even won a few ribbons after all.

  

Today horses taught me that to aspire to greatness is silly, instead strive toward happiness. In your happiness you will be great.

Power and Joy

Should I stand in awe of such a massive beast restrained?

Should I think you a great master of man and beast that even horses tremble beneath your hand?

I find a horse tied to its self no more fanciful than a lion shaved and declawed with his teeth pulled out.

The poor beast is now no more a lion than house cat.

Just as the horse altered and forced in shackles to perform is no more a horse than an ass.

Come to me in pride when you tame the massive beast, that he comes to you of his own choice and bows at your feet.

When such a great animal leaps for joy at your presence and seeks your guidance of his own choice...

then you shall be a master of both horse and man.  

Today horses taught me that power is in joy. Joy does not come from chains or spurs and it does not come from pain nor punishment. It can not be found in padded shoes or in the fabric of ribbons. It comes from loving one self and loving others. It comes from freedom, and respect. In joy all things are possible.

The Tough Ones

In life we are born in harness and we pull dead weight all our lives until we die.

For many of us life is a constant struggle to break the tug lines and run free.

Many of us do.

 Many don't.

Then there are those who choose a life of work, throwing their weight into the collar and digging their hooves into the earth.

This a life of purpose and of duty.

It is not a life of glamour or one of material wealth.

It is a life of giving ones all accepting little in return.

Those who choose this life are selfless and humble.

They take no credit, though society is built from their sweat.

There is honor in this life. 

Today horses taught me not to seek fame, fortune, or leisure, but a simple honor in a day of hard work well done.